Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Viktor the Viking entertains the followers through the first half of a sport between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos
Proper sort out Brian O’Neill isn’t going wherever in spite of everything.
Coach O’Connell referred to O’Neill as a “pillar.” He’s now a a lot richer pillar.
Try ESPN’s Adam Schefter with the main points: “Compensation update: Vikings have signed OT Brian O’Neill to a four-year, $96 million contract extension. He now is under contract to Minnesota for the next five years.”
Nolan Teasley Will get Deal Accomplished with RT1 Brian O’Neill
Chosen at No. 62 within the 2018 NFL Draft, Brian O’Neill has confirmed to be an incredible success.
The previous tight finish has at all times been an amazing athlete. What wasn’t sure, not less than initially, was whether or not he wanted a while to be introduced alongside slowly as he acclimated to the ruggedness of NFL soccer. He in a short time needed to get inserted into the lineup, although, as a consequence of harm. He shortly proved able to being a powerful choice for the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings offensive sort out Brian O’Neill (75) celebrates with operating again Cam Akers (27) after a landing, reacting to the rating throughout fourth-quarter motion towards Chicago on Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis because the Vikings constructed momentum late in a divisional matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos.
For a short time, O’Neill felt like an oasis within the desert. The Mike Zimmer years by no means concerned Minnesota having a powerful offensive line, an ironic element given the previous coach’s emphasis on operating the soccer. O’Neill typically discovered himself because the lonely competent blocker up entrance.
Since then, there was a pile of sources poured into the offensive line. Christian Darrisaw obtained snagged with a 1st. So did Donovan Jackson. Blake Brandel was a sixth who has since discovered his approach into beginning lineup as the middle. At proper guard, the well-compensated Will Fries is locking down the highest job. Primarily based on the hassle to construct up the trenches, the Vikings ought to — ought to — be superb.
Higher but, depth choices comparable to Caleb Tiernan, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse, and Gavin Gerhardt have all demanded draft picks. Any individual comparable to Ryan Van Demark arrived within the Twin Cities after getting stolen away through RFA contract.
Brian O’Neill is among the many foremost leaders on the Vikings’ roster. Different guys stand out as being wonderful on this regard — security Josh Metellus is superior; C.J. Ham was a prime management voice previous to retiring — however O’Neill is indisputably among the many prime few most revered voices on the group.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76), offensive sort out Brian O’Neill (75) and fullback C.J. Ham (30) have a good time after a landing towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers through the second quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photos
The approaching days are going to convey added readability on what the funds appear to be after the extension. A lot digital ink was spilled about the opportunity of clearing up north of $14 million in cap area. At minimal, count on short-term respiration room.
What’s of curiosity, although, is what the dedication seems to be like past 2026.
Brian O’Neill is now very more likely to end his profession as a Minnesota Viking. He’s most likely going to see his #75 jersey retired within U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Seeing him push Minnesota towards successful a Lombardi — as far off as that chance seems — would absolutely safe his spot as a Vikings legend.
Mr. O’Neill goes to show 31 on September fifteenth.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
